This healthy Crock-Pot Butternut Squash is the perfect fall dish, made with a few simple ingredients and minimal effort.
While this Crock-Pot butternut squash can be enjoyed year-round, it screams “fall” for a few reasons. First of all, butternut squash is available all year long but is normally harvested in the fall. Another reason is because it coincides with the beginning of school and the start of a new season. So, while you are filling up your schedule with activities, appointments, and after-school extracurriculars, pull out the Crock-Pot to work for you!
This Crock-Pot butternut squash is healthy and easy. Feel free to add other herbs and spices, like sage and cinnamon, to jazz it up a bit. The fragrance will also add a layer of coziness to your home and make it smell like you’ve been cooking all day… when really, it was the Crock-Pot that was busy cooking all day.
This butternut squash is not only simple to prepare but also very versatile in what you can do with it. I love making a huge batch to use throughout the week for lunches and dinner. Serve it as a side or throw it in a salad for added nutrition and color. So easy! By cooking the butternut squash in the Crock-Pot instead of the oven, you will have the cooking part done and dinner ready before you know it.
Is Crock-Pot Butternut Squash Healthy?
Butternut squash is a superfood. It contains vitamin A and vitamin C, plus potassium, fiber, and other valuable antioxidants. The splash of olive oil also adds some heart-healthy fats to the mix. This recipe is super simple, low in calories, vegan, and gluten-free. It’s also Paleo and Whole30-friendly, assuming you leave out the optional brown sugar.
Summer Squash Vs. Winter Squash
Even though squash may remind us of autumn, they all fall into one of two categories: summer squash and winter squash. But what is the main difference between them, and where does butternut squash fall?
Summer squash has a thin skin (which can be eaten) and cooks rather quickly. Yellow squash, pattypan, and zucchini are all examples of summer squash. Summer squash is plucked from the vine earlier than winter squash.
Winter squash, on the other hand, has a thick skin, which we normally do not consume. We usually just eat the pulp or fleshy part of winter squash. Some popular varieties of winter squash are pumpkin, acorn squash, and our star today, butternut squash. Winter squash takes longer to mature on the vine and also takes longer to cook.
Can I Prep This Ahead?
Yes. Crock-Pot butternut squash can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for 3-5 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, cook on the stovetop until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
As mentioned, Crock-Pot butternut squash can be a hearty side dish or added to a meal that requires winter squash.
For a side dish, I would season the butternut squash to your liking, and serve it with a nice, simple protein and a veggie. This juicy Pan-Seared Chicken Breast is my go-to for weeknight dinners. You can also keep your Crock-Pot busy with this Crock-Pot Pork Tenderloin to mix things up. Add some Parmesan-Crusted Brussels Sprouts or Easy Sautéed Broccoli for a complete meal.
This Crock-Pot butternut squash is also a great head start to any dish that requires roasted butternut squash or butternut squash purée. I like to use it for these Roasted Brussels Sprouts And Butternut Squash and this Butternut Squash Bread.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds butternut squash peeled and cubed
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh ground black pepper to taste
- Brown sugar optional
Instructions
- Place the cubed butternut squash into the slow cooker.
- Season the squash with kosher salt, drizzle with olive oil, and add black pepper to taste. Stir to coat the squash evenly with the seasonings and oil.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours, until the squash is tender.
- Once cooked, stir the squash gently and serve as a delicious side dish. For a touch of sweetness, a sprinkle of brown sugar can be added just before serving, if desired.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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